Articles tagged with 'Painful procedures'

Shearing is the process whereby the sheep’s fleece (wool) is removed using mechanical shears called ‘handpieces’. For sheep breeds that are specifically grown for wool production, the fleece needs to be removed regularly because it grows continuously. Sheep are typically shorn at least once a year, usually in spring.

As male pigs reach puberty, they start producing andosterone, a male sex hormone, and skatole, a digestive by-product formed in the intestines. The production of andosterone and skatole is responsible for boar taint, an unpleasant odour and taste found in meat from some (not all) entire male pigs.

Farm animals may require invasive husbandry procedures that are intended to benefit the animal or group of animals involved.

The RSPCA regularly receives complaints from members of the public regarding the practice of dubbing of exhibition poultry.

The RSPCA can only prosecute farmers for cruelty if they have broken laws relating to animal welfare that apply in their state or territory. If farmers are operating within the law, the RSPCA inspectors who enforce animal protection legislation cannot prosecute them.

Electro-immobilisation is a restraining method that runs a low-voltage electrical current down the animal’s spine to induce temporary paralysis, thereby preventing voluntary movement.

The removal of antlers, or de-antlering, of deer is performed to help protect other animals and handlers from injury. However, antlers are also removed in the production of antler velvet which is used for medicinal purposes.